Course Description

Candle making is a craft as old as civilization itself, yet after so many millennia and technological advances, we still love the light, warmth, and beauty of a lit candle. Whether a seasoned artisan or a budding enthusiast, this course offers something for everyone interested in learning the craft of candle making.

This course will open up for you the amazing array of possibilities that exist in your pursuit to create beautiful, functional, and sweet smelling candles. From basic molded and container designs, through the wonders of ice, chunk, votive, and the all-mysterious floating candles, you'll learn the easiest and safest ways to work with wax, wicks, and molds.

But this course doesn't stop with just making candles that are sure to impress your friends and family. Once you've learned how to design and craft your product using countless combinations of scent, color, and containers, you'll be given the tools and knowledge to take your journey on the final leg; candle making for profit through your own business.

The basics of building a niche candle market and targeting your marketing efforts to those that are naturally inclined to buy your candles will also be covered. You'll learn how to build a business plan and get the word out about your products. The nitty gritty of starting a business will be covered and you'll end with a thorough list of potential wholesale suppliers, candle making communities, and other resources for learning and sharing your new found passion!

The History of Candle Making

The history of candle making is intertwined with the history of humankind itself. For thousands of years we have been engaged in the process of containing fire for light, warmth, cooking, and religious ceremonies. Candles are an important part of this heritage and to a certain extent still are today. Understanding the basics of this history helps us to appreciate more fully the true meaning of the power of a candle.

This lesson will take you on the fascinating journey of the history of candle making. You will learn about:

The First Candles.

Candles in the Middle Ages.

Candle Making in America.

The First Candles

No one knows exactly when or where the first candle was made and used. However, evidence of the earliest candles, called rush dips or rushlights, have been found in ancient archeological digs throughout the world. Interestingly, the very first candles were not unlike some of today's ones that are more fashionable. Naturally formed hollows in stones were filled with animal fat, called tallow, and rush or other plant material was placed inside to soak up the fat. This then, was lit to form sustainable light, a candle.

Over time, vegetable oils were used instead of tallow. Olive oil especially was popular in warmer European climates. A sign of the high value these early societies placed on candles is that certain early rush dips were made out of valuable stones such as quartz and lapis lazuli.

Rushes, a pithy fibrous plant, were used effectively to form torch like candles. Their outer layers were peeled off and the inner, absorbent fiber was soaked in animal fat. This made them easy to light and to carry, allowing a portable form of illumination for hunting, foraging, or visiting nearby villages, whether for warring or peaceful purposes. Rushlights evolved over time into more advanced versions of this same basic layout.

Candle making processes first developed independently early in several civilizations. The Chinese used candles as far back as 300 BC. Egyptians also, used wicked candles. In fact, a bronze candleholder was discovered in the mysterious and cursed tomb of King Tutankhamen. Many other cultures used wicked candles too, including the early Chinese who utilized rolled rice paper for their wicks. Both the Chinese and the Japanese used wax derived from insects and seeds molded into rice paper tubes. Perhaps it is due to their warmth and convenience, or maybe to the miracle of light that they emit, but candles have been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Hanukkah, one of the most important Jewish holidays and also known as the Festival of Lights, entails lighting candles each day in a special nine-candle holder. Both the New and Old Testaments in the Bible have references to candles.

Candles in the Middle Ages

With the Middle Ages came important changes in the making of candles. Previously, due to the fact animal fat from sheep, cow, or pigs was used, candles gave off a pungent, unpleasant smell. Pork fat was the worst and relegated to the poorest people while sheep fat, although still foul smelling and giving off a black smoke, was considered the highest quality and therefore the most valuable.

In the Middle Ages making candles with beeswax instead of the stinky tallow came into practice. This was an enormous improvement on candle quality in that they not only burned cleaner but also had a sweet aroma rather than that of burning animal fat. Because beeswax was more expensive than tallow and less easy to come by, its use was relegated to the Church and wealthy families.Over time, a canon in the Roman Catholic Church laid into law that the church's candles had to be at least 51 percent beeswax for some ceremonies and up to 100 percent beeswax for others. Any wax not made from bees had to be from a vegetable source. This increased the price and value of beeswax and turned the Catholic Church into the largest buyer of beeswax candles in the world. During this time candle making became a guild craft in both England and France. Candle makers, known as chandlers, would travel from town to town making candles for households from either tallow or beeswax. Beginning in the 15th century, candle lanterns lit the streets of cities and villages in Europe and England at night. Town criers, who previously called out the hour of night and if it was safe or not to venture out, now also had the duty of lighting and taking care of the street candle lanterns.

Candle Making in America

The first candles in America were probably made by Native Americans who burned oily fish on sticks for a source of light. (Imagine the smell and be thankful for today's fragranced candles!) They also understood how to extract wax from various berries and eventually taught this technique to the first Colonial settlers who then developed a broad and diverse range of candles.

During the whaling boom in the 19th century, wax was made from the oil of the sperm whale, called spermaceti. This wax formed an efficient and pleasant smelling candle. In fact, because the flame did not melt the wax when it burned they became the first dripless candles! However, oil from whales was expensive and therefore only available to the wealthy. In the early 19th century, two discoveries were made which changed the face of candle making forever. First, a French chemist named Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered a substance derived from animal fat called stearin. This ingredient produced hard and quality candles never before seen. The second occurrence was the development of paraffin wax from petroleum. When added with stearin, this combination created the strong, long lasting candles that we still use today.

Much of candle making in America today takes place on an enormous commercial basis. The hub of this industry is in Syracuse, New York. Companies here produce thousands of different kinds of candles and use ingredients from all over the world. Many smaller, boutique, candle making enterprises exist throughout America too.

It is important to remember that before the use of electricity became common in the early 20th century, everyone for household lighting used candles. In fact, when a power outage comes along we still rely on candles. Beginning in 1860, the term candlepower referred to the standardized measurement of light intensity from any source. The term candle power has now been replaced by candela, but the origin of the term remains obvious. Candles and candle making have been part of our lives for many thousands of years. Still today, making and using candles creates associations of comfort, warmth, and the coziness of a home.

Completely Online

Self-Paced

Printable Lessons

Full HD Video

6 Months to Complete

24/7 Availability

Start Anytime

PC & Mac Compatible

Android & iOS Friendly

Accredited CEUs

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Course Lessons

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Lesson 1. The History of Candle Making

Understanding the basics of this history helps us to appreciate more fully the true meaning of the power of a candle. 39 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video

Take Poll: Candle Making

Complete Assignment: An Introduction

Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Equipment

Making candles does not have to be expensive and complex, but there are specific pieces of equipment that you need to get started. 135 Total Points

Lesson 2 Video

Review Article: Getting Started

Complete Assignment: Yankee Candle Factory

Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Safety and Your Wax Workplace

The process of making candles can be dangerous and certain precautions need to be taken to ensure a safe and harmless experience. 35 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video

Review 2 Articles: Candle Making Safety; Candle Making Safety Tips

Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Wax, Wicks, and Additives

It is important to understand the choices you have and which wax works best with which candle you plan on making. 33 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video

Review 2 Articles: Beeswax; Guide to Waxes

Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Step by Step Candle Making

In this lesson you will learn a nine step process for making a molded candle. 35 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video

Review 2 Articles: Candle Making Basics; How to Make Container Candles

Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Handmade Rolled and Taper Candles

Now that you have the basic molded candle down pat, it is time to move on to creative variations in your candle making repertoire. 35 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video

Review Article: How to Make Taper Candles

Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Color and Fragrance

It is time to take your craft to the next level by adding color and scent. 35 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video

Review 2 Articles: Scented Candles; Single Colored Candles

Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment

Complete: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Overdipping, Cutouts, and Cracked Candles

Cutouts and cracked candles are two examples of exciting new variations. By utilizing these new tools you will add a professional and artistic look to your craft. 35 Total Points